Discover published sets by community

Using levels means having actors perform at different heights (sitting, standing, elevated platforms). This can create visual interest, define status relationships, or indicate power dynamics within the scene.

Blocking in the round is when actors perform with the audience surrounding the stage area. It shapes the story by requiring actors to engage with all sides, creating a more immersive experience.

Rake staging is when the stage is sloped upward away from the audience. This technique improves visibility for the audience and can create depth, impacting the perception of the story's setting.

Stage directions are instructions that define the movements and placing of actors on stage. This aids in creating a dynamic visual narrative that supports the script and directs the audience's attention.

Lighting can be used in blocking to create focus on an actor or specific area of the stage. It shapes the story by directing the audience's eye and enhancing the mood of a scene.

Crossing refers to the movement of an actor from one location to another on stage. It can reveal character intentions, show relationships between characters, and shift the audience's focus.

Blocking for camera involves positioning and moving actors in a way that considers the camera angles and movements. It shapes the film's storytelling by framing each shot to convey information and emotion effectively.

Environmental blocking takes into account the entire performance space, including unconventional areas. By using the whole environment, it can make the story feel more authentic and immersive.

A tableau involves arranging actors in a staged, static picture that conveys a significant moment or emotion in the story. This can pause the action and highlight a scene's importance or themes.

Blocking for intimacy focuses on creating closeness between characters. It shapes the story by revealing personal relationships and the emotional landscape of the scene.

Quadrants are divisions of the stage into areas to which characters are assigned during blocking. This facilitates spatial organization and can help manage complex scenes with multiple actors.

Cheating out is a blocking technique where actors adjust their bodies slightly towards the audience while interacting with other characters. This ensures that their emotions and expressions are visible to the audience, thereby enhancing engagement.

In blocking, focus refers to directing the viewer's attention to a specific actor, prop, or part of the set. This shapes the story by emphasizing key elements or moments for the audience.

Upstaging is a blocking mistake where one actor unintentionally draws focus away from another. It can distract the audience and disrupt the story's flow, and is typically avoided.

Shared focus is when two or more actors look at each other or the same object, creating a connection for the audience. It can demonstrate relationships or highlight a moment of unity or conflict in the story.

An open body position occurs when an actor faces towards the audience, making their actions and reactions more readable. This blocking choice increases the audience’s connection with the character.

Proxemics refers to the use of space and physical distance between actors to convey relationships and emotions. Blocking using proxemics can subtly communicate tension, affection, or dominance within the narrative.

A closed body position is when an actor turns away from the audience, which can create a sense of distance or secrecy. This blocking choice can be used to signal a character's isolation or inner thoughts.

The way characters enter and exit a scene can underscore their importance, influence pacing, and provide dramatic effect. Blocking these movements carefully can vastly impact the story's rhythm.